Ivan Reitman really wants to make that Baywatch movie

Ivan Reitman recently gave an interview to The Hollywood Reporter in which he discussed his Montecito production company and its success with working outside the studio system, which allows them to help make the sort of films that may not get a chance elsewhere. The talk then ironically turns to Reitman’s own slate of projects in the works, all of which are the exact sort of risk-averse, based-on-brand-recognition studio pictures that are ostensibly part of the problem.

First up, Ghostbusters III, about which Reitman adds nothing new, simply repeating that there is a script, but Bill Murray still hasn’t read it or agreed to do it, following in the footsteps of Gandhi with his heroic passive resistance. Reitman then talks about the Baywatch movie that we were warily familiar with but did not know until now that it had anything to do with Ivan Reitman, lamenting, “We still don’t have a script that’s makeable.” However, he insists that, “I think it’s a big opportunity. This is a comedy, and I think we have a very interesting take—a classical idea that will be fresh for the world audience.” We have no idea what “classical” means. Maybe bloomers and harpsichords?

Reitman then unintentionally sums up the current, chronic Hollywood condition of cynically turning creative decision-making wholly over to the marketers, saying, “It’s one of the best-known titles that’s out there.” Well, indeed, then how could it not be great? However, he does offer one small bit of consolation to those stooped and wearied by the constant flood of recycled ideas: He doesn’t think there’s much chance of a sequel to Private Parts—even though Howard Stern reportedly “brings it up all the time”—saying instead, “If he’s going to do another film, my guess is that it’s probably not going to be the sequel.” But then, how could he not? It’s a known title! Anyhow, thanks for always finding new ways to be a disappointment, Ivan Reitman.